MARGAO
This initiative by the Goan Seamen Association of India (GSAI), a body of Goan seafarers, may help not just to resolve the unemployment problem facing local youth, but also help open the doors of the world shipping industry to the hinterland talukas of the State.
GSAI has offered to conduct career guidance in the shipping industry in the hinterland talukas of Goa to guide and motivate the unemployed youth to take up shipping as a career.
The GSAI proposal evoked instant support from Commissioner for NRI Affairs, Narendra Sawaikar as he offered for a tie-up with GSAI to jointly conduct the career guidance programme in the State’s countryside.
GSAI president Frank Viegas later told the media that the organisation is ready to move into the interiors of the State to provide guidance and motivation to the rural youth to take up shipping as a career.
“Right now, mostly seafarers are from the talukas of Salcete, Mormugao, Tiswadi and Bardez. There may be a historical reason behind this. But, the world is changing and so is the shipping industry. Youth from the hinterland talukas might not have taken shipping as a career because of many reasons. Our endeavour would be to convince them through the career guidance that they too can opt for shipping as a career,” he said.
He added: “We would explain to the rural youth that with the government-issued CDC and if they undergo certain courses, they too can make it on the cruise liners or the Merchant Navy like many a Goan youth.”
On the occasion of the Day of the Seafarer, the GSAI listed out a host of issues with the Mormugao Port Authority (MPA) Chairperson Dr N Vinodkumar, including setting up of a seafarers club as part of the welfare activities required to be initiated in the Port area.
Frank also raised the issue of Goan seamen not being allowed to meet their family and relative at the MPA port when the vessel comes there. He also requested the MPA Chairperson to reserve space for GSAI at the international cruise terminal at the Mormugao port when it becomes a reality by December.
